Mississippi’s remarkable gains in student achievement are challenging long-held assumptions about education in America, with some measures showing the state outperforming California despite spending far less per pupil. Melanie Kurdys, President of the Michigan chapter of USPIE, says Mississippi’s success demonstrates that strong academic standards, accountability, and a focus on foundational skills such as reading and math can deliver real results for students. She joins us to discuss what Mississippi is doing differently, why other states should take notice, and what policymakers can learn from the state’s education turnaround.